Chemical Engineering 2024
CHEM 001: Mechanical and Biocompatibility Testing of Novel Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Drug-Eluting Coating for Metallic Implants; (Coulombe)
Professor Sylvain Coulombe
sylvain.coulombe [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Nanomaterials, Medtec, Non-Thermal Plasma |
Description
Ever since their discovery, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have found numerous applications in different fields due to their extraordinary properties. In most recent investigations, a MWCNT-based drug-eluting coating for metallic implants has been developed to improve the biocompatibility of implant surfaces. MWCNTs can be synthesized by chemical vapour deposition and applied on 316L stainless steel plates by electrophoretic deposition. The first part of this SURE project consists in performing mechanical testing using a parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC) to evaluate the adhesion properties of the MWCNT coating to the metallic substrate. Tasks per student
The student will be in charge of testing different plasma functionalization protocols on MWCNTs, performing material characterization, mechanical and biocompatibility testing, as well as interpreting the generated results. After a thorough literature review, the efforts of the student will mainly take place in laboratory spaces under the supervision of a PhD student. |
Deliverables per student
The student will report their progress on a biweekly basis. By the end of the program, the student will share their methods and findings at the SURE poster event and give a presentation to the members of the Catalytic and Plasma Process Engineering lab. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 3 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 002: Synthesis and characterization of MWCNT coatings; (Coulombe)
Professor Sylvain Coulombe
sylvain.coulombe [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Advanced materials, material synthesis, material characterization |
Description
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have recently gained popularity in many interdisciplinary fields due to their attractive material characteristics. Specifically, MWCNTs are advantageous in biomedical applications as their high surface area allows for greater liquid-cell interactions. Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is a conventional method of growing MWCNTs on metallic surfaces such as 316L stainless steel (SS). Characterizing the MWCNT-film on SS mesh is important in determining its range of applicability in the biomedical world. Various surface characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, goniometry and raman spectroscopy can be used to analyze the morphology, elemental composition, hydrophobicity, and degree of defect in the MWCNT structure, respectively. The aim of this project is to characterize the surfaces of MWCNT-coated SS meshes (15 micron grid opening size) and analyzing the results. Priority will be given to upper-year students with a keen interest in material characterization, surface modification techniques using plasma and biomedical engineering. Tasks per student
The student will be responsible for synthesizing MWCNTs, preforming material characterization techniques and analysing the results. The student will work autonomously and collaboratively in the Catalytic & Plasma Process Engineering (CPPE) laboratory under the supervision of a graduate student. |
Deliverables per student
The student is expected to prepare biweekly updates on their progress. Towards the end of the SURE program, the student will present their findings to the CPPE team. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 3 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 003: Structural characterization of proteins in solid-state materials using circular dichroism; (Dorval Courchesne)
Professor Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne
noemie.dorvalcourchesne [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Protein-based materials |
Description
Proteins are typically found in hydrated environments, both in nature and in a range of functional devices (such as biosensors, biocatalytic devices, drug delivery systems, etc.). However, proteins can also be incorporated in solid-state materials and devices, including a range of plastic-like materials, solid-state bioelectronic apparatuses, and functional textiles. In particular, self-assembling proteins can modulate the mechanical, electrical, biorecognition and biodegradation properties of these materials, making them additives of choice to fabricate novel environmentally-friend devices. As these biologically-derived material emerge, unknowns remain to fully understand how proteins behave within complex solid composites. Tasks per student
-Expression and isolation of a selection of self-assembling proteins of interest |
Deliverables per student
-A short presentation during group meeting at the end of the summer |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 004: Advanced virucidal coatings based on calcium hydroxide microcapsules; (Girard-Lauriault)
Professor Pierre-Luc Girard-Lauriault
pierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Surface Science and Engineering |
Description
Transmission of pathogens through contaminated surfaces is a significant contributor to the spread of certain microorganisms, as they can survive on surfaces for a relatively long time. There is, therefore, an established need for materials that can inhibit the transmission of infections via surfaces. Tasks per student
- Preparation of thin coatings. |
Deliverables per student
Coated set of samples and their characterization. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 005: Plasma Liquid Synthesis; (Girard-Lauriault)
Professor Pierre-Luc Girard-Lauriault
pierre-luc.girard-lauriault [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Plasma Science and Engineering |
Description
Cold reactive plasmas (ionized gases produced by an electrical discharge) have been used in several applications, including lighting and thin film deposition. A currently innovative field of research is plasma interactions with liquids for decomposition, synthesis, or generation of active species. A particularly novel direction is the use of plasmas in interaction with organic liquids to perform the synthesis of useful small organic molecules. Tasks per student
- Contribution the design and assembly of a plasma liquid treatment system. |
Deliverables per student
Set of treatment conditions maximizing the production of different species. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 006: Soft nanocomposites: synthesis and microstructural interrogation by dielectric and electroacoustic spectroscopies; (Hill)
Professor Reghan Hill
reghan.hill [at] mcgill.ca 5143986897 |
Research Area
Soft matter |
Description
Microstructural heterogeneity (spanning nano- and micro-scales) of soft matter is increasingly recognized as a key factor controlling the function of synthetic and biological and membranes, responsible for the dynamics of small molecules, ions, macromolecules and viruses. Building on recent experimental and theoretical foundations in Hill's Soft Matter laboratory, hydrogel nanocomposites will be subjected to impedance and electroacoustic spectroscopy, so that the spectra may be interpreted on the basis of the size, charge and concentration of micro-gels used to dope the microstructure. This will provide an important experimental test of theory that seeks to unravel the complex coupling of electrical, hydrodynamic and elastic forces across a wide range of length and time scales. Tasks per student
Synthesize and purify micro-gels, disperse them in a continuous hydrogel, and subject samples to impedance and electroacoustic spectroscopy. |
Deliverables per student
A protocol for hydrogel nanocomposite synthesis and analysis by impedance and electroacoustic spectroscopies. |
Number of positions
2 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 007: Engineering vascularized living pancreatic tissue for treating diabetes using embedded 3D printing.; (Hoesli)
Professor Corinne Hoesli
corinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca 514-706-8487 |
Research Area
Biomedical engineering |
Description
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, causing elevated blood glucose. Islet transplantation, a promising T1D treatment, faces challenges in achieving consistent outcomes, with large cell losses happening early after transplantation because the islets are not rapidly re vascularized. Moreover, cell sourcing from deceased human donors and the need for lifelong immunosuppression to limit graft rejection are major hurdles to broad implementation. Stem cell-derived islets delivered in a pre-fabricated device that promotes vascularization could overcome some of these challenges. Tasks per student
The trainee will learn what it is like to work in research and in biology. Moreover, they will learn fundamental skills for working in a biology laboratory such as: cell culture, pipetting, using a biosafety cabinet, best practices for documentation, etc. The student will conduct toxicity studies for novel oxygen-sensing strategies using a ruthenium complex, mouse insulinoma cells (MIN6), Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and stem cells. |
Deliverables per student
Report and oral presentation on the embedded writing approach of vascularized pancreatic tissue, detailed protocol of the experiment including the preprocessing, processing and post processing, detailed electronic lab notebooks and the results of all the tests. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 008: Investigating the effect of oxygen-releasing materials and stem cell-derived vascular cells on oxygen mass transport in bioartificial pancreas devices; (Hoesli)
Professor Corinne Hoesli
corinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Stem cells and bioengineering |
Description
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells which are located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Replacing the beta cell mass, by transplantation of islets is the only long-term treatment for T1D. The major limitations are donor scarcity, the requirement for life-long immune suppression, and poor cell survival post-transplant due to inadequate vascularization. To address donor scarcity, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived pancreatic cells have been developed, and several clinical trials are testing their efficacy in the clinical trials. Further, the hPSCs have been genetically modified to create immune-evasive pancreatic cells, which have the potential to eliminate immune suppression regimens. However, poor cell vascularization post-transplantation remains a major challenge. The aim of this project is to develop a bioartificial pancreas that accommodates therapeutic islet doses in a single tissue patch – a concept coined as “macroencapsulationâ€. The Hoesli laboratory is developing oxygen-releasing materials to provide short-term support of the tissues. The Aghazadeh lab has developed hPSC-derived endothelial and perivascular cells present in the human islets which can form a vascular network. The project will combine these techniques within a microencapsulation device to improve islet survival. Fundamental principles of transport phenomena will be applied to understand how to maximize cell survival while minimizing device size. This project has the potential to develop a vascularized encapsulation device, at a human scale for islet transplantation to treat T1D. Please submit your application (cover letter, CV, transcript, 3 samples of publications/school projects) following the instructions on . Tasks per student
The trainee will work on-site both at Hoesli lab (鶹AV, Wong building) and Aghazadeh lab (IRCM, 10 min walking distance). They will learn what it is like to work in research and in biology and acquire fundamental skills in laboratory skills such as pipetting, using a biosafety cabinet, best practices for documentation, etc. The student will learn to work with encapsulation devices and novel oxygen-sensing strategies at the Hoesli lab, and cell seeding at the Aghazadeh lab. |
Deliverables per student
Report and oral presentation on the effect of seeding macroencpsulation devices with vascular cells in oxygen levels within the device. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 009: Developing a novel multi-material pancreatic islet encapsulation device to treat diabetes; (Hoesli)
Professor Corinne Hoesli
corinne.hoesli [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Bioengineering & materials engineering |
Description
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the insulin-producing beta cells are targeted and destroyed. Islet transplantation, despite being the only long-term treatment that can replace regular insulin injections, is currently limited by donor islet supply and the need for lifelong immunosuppression. The specific aims of this project are to (1) fabricate rodent scale devices housing encapsulated beta cells and immobilized vascular cells, (2) characterize encapsulation material properties (e.g. mechanical, mass transport) and (3) study the survival and function of the beta cells in vitro. If successful, the resulting vascularized encapsulation device would serve as an effective model for encapsulating stem cell derived beta cells to effectively treat type 1 diabetes. Note: please submit your application in a single pdf document following the instructions on Tasks per student
The trainee will be involved in experiment design, data acquisition, and data analysis. Wet lab techniques would materials selection and characterization (e.g. mechanical tests, permeability/diffusion studies), mammalian cell culture, device fabrication and biological studies. |
Deliverables per student
Report and oral presentation on materials selection and optimization for islet encapsulation device engineering. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 010: Biomaterials for passive radiative cooling; (Huberman)
Professor Samuel Huberman
samuel.huberman [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Radiative properties of biomaterials |
Description
In a warming world, the ability to stay cool without requiring an input energy source is undoubtedly advantageous. One such promising approach is radiative cooling, where an object on earth that is directly exposed to the sun (~6000K) can cool to a temperature below ambient (~300K) by radiating to the cold of space (~3K) without any input energy source. To unlock this effect requires a careful design of the object's radiative properties. The earth's atmosphere is transparent to radiation of wavelengths ranging from 8-13 um (the atmospheric window, which serendipitously overlaps with the blackbody emission spectrum of objects at ambient temperature. On the other hand, the object is exposed to, and potentially absorbs, radiation from the sun which occurs in the visible and near infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, an engineering challenge to keep materials cool is to design them with emissitivities near unity in the atmospheric window and near zero outside of this window. While there are materials that fit this criterion, many are harmful to the environment or toxic to humans. Tasks per student
This project is to be performed in collaboration with Prof. Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne (Chemical Engineering). Tasks include: |
Deliverables per student
1 report and 1 poster |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 3 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 011: Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Engineering Education; (Huberman)
Professor Samuel Huberman
samuel.huberman [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Machine learning and Numerical Methods |
Description
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that are increasingly available to students, the impact of such tools on education remains unclear. The objective of this project is to develop a nuanced understanding of the capabilities of large language models (LLM) as in-silico students. To this end, we will devise a series of assignments, based on the curriculum of two courses in CHEE (291 and 401) for the machines for the machines to complete and subsequently assess as is conventionally done. The outcome of this project will help guide the inclusion (or exclusion) of AI tools in engineering classrooms. Tasks per student
-Convert the assignments to machine readable formats |
Deliverables per student
A final report summarizing the project and presentation of a poster. |
Number of positions
2 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
hybrid remote/in-person - a) students must have a Canadian bank account and b) all students must participate in in-person poster session. |
CHEM 012:Water and ice adhesion on bird feathers (Kietzig)
Professor Anne Kietzig
anne.kietzig [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Surface engineering. |
Description
In recent years we have shown that penguin feathers have interesting anti-wetting and anti-icing behaviour which can serve as inspiration for sustainable industrial applications in need for alike surface properties. In particular alike biomimicry is relevant to aerospace and utility infrastructure in northern climates. In this project, we want to explore how feathers from birds living in different habitats differ in their wetting and ice adhesion behaviour to better understand the relevant parameters for the technical implementation of alike biomimetic surfaces. Tasks per student
This project will involve |
Deliverables per student
relevant safety trainings, experimental plans to carry out research tasks, weekly research reports, presentation of research results at group meetings |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 2 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 013: McISCE / Catalyst development for (1) CO2 capture and conversion to RNG; (Kopyscinski)
Professor JanKopyscinski
jan.kopyscinski [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Catalysis and reaction engineering. |
Description
Catalytic and Plasma Process Engineering (CPPE) laboratory is engaged in the development and understanding of catalyzed processes and reactor engineering concepts dedicated to sustainable energy conversion technologies. Within this project, the student in collaboration with a PhD student will focus on the synthesis of novel catalysts for (1) CO2 capture and subsequent hydrogenation to renewable natural gas - CH4. The UG student will work closely together with PhD student and develop, synthesize, characterize new catalysts as well as to test them in our catalytic reactors. Tasks per student
1. Literature review |
Deliverables per student
Biweekly progress updates during group meetings. Final report and presentation. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 3 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 014: Development Of A Synthetic Thrombosis For Medical Device Testing; (Leask)
Professor Richard Leask
richard.leask [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Biomedical Engineering |
Description
The goal of this project is to create a synthetic thrombosis model for testing and designing medical devices. Thrombosis plays a crucial role in adverse clinical outcomes related to various medical interventions and vascular device performance. The project involves screening the gel formation kinetics of potential surrogates and evaluating their rheological and biomechanical properties for benchmarking. An strong background in material science, fluid mechanics, and a keen interest in biomedical research are prerequisites for this project. Tasks per student
Synthesize model thrombosis polymer gels |
Deliverables per student
Suitable synthetic thrombosis for new and mature thrombosis |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 3 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 015: Evaluation of poly(itaconyl ester methacrylate) plasticizers and rubber modifiers; (Maric)
Professor Milan Maric
milan.maric [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Polymers |
Description
Itaconic acid (IA), considered a top 10 chemical for future biorefineries, has been converted to various esters and polymerized via conventional and reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), the latter providing greater control of the molecular weight distribution and the ability to access controlled microstructures. However, the molecular weights attained have been limited and we have functionalized the IA with a single methacrylic group, which should make polymerization easier, allowing higher molecular weights to be attainable and improved mechanical properties for many applications. Our group has successfully designed a diheptylitaconyl methacrylate (DHIAMA) through multi-step esterification and borylation chemistries and demonstrated its RDRP, yielding a completely new, low glass transition temperature (Tg) polymer (poly(DHIAMA)). To further examine the possibilities with this new monomer, the undergraduate student will further expand the design space by blending or by copolymerization with more rigid monomers that are largely bio-based, such as poly(isobornyl methacrylate) (poly(IBOMA)), which is a high Tg polymer. The student will learn how to apply polymer blending of the poly(DHIAMA) with other bio-based or biodegradable polymers or to copolymerize DHIAMA with other monomers to evaluate its utility in bio-based copolymer compositions. Tasks per student
The undergraduate student will be contributing towards developing a novel bio-based methacrylic functional monomer derived from itaconic acid (IA), cited as one of the top 12 platform chemicals for future biorefineries. This monomer, termed DHIAMA, will be polymerized to form materials suitable as plasticizers or rubber modifiers for stiff bio-based matrix polymers like poly(isobornyl methacrylate) (PIBOMA). Miscibility studies by blending the two polymers to provide toughened alloys will be conducted and compatibilization schemes will be developed to permit stability and improved mechanical properties. The student will initially learn and apply group contribution theory to estimate miscibility a priori. Further, simple binary copolymerization of IBOMA with DHIAMA to yield statistical copolymers will also be performed by the student and copolymerization models will be tested to determine reactivity ratios and predict final copolymer microstructure and recommend compositions for targeted mechanical properties. Tensile and impact strength will be also performed near the conclusion of the project. The student will learn synthetic techniques, apply characterization tools and report the mechanical properties of various compositions. |
Deliverables per student
The student will have a graduate student daily to ask for routine advice, but I will be directly supervising the student, with daily visits to the lab and weekly round-table discussions with the sub-group. The lab safety officer and I will provide all safety training and ensure that the student is first properly trained on safety matters before embarking on the individual tasks comprising the project. At the conclusion of the term, the student will present their findings orally to the research group and provide a written report detailing results. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
Year 2 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 016: Microengineered smart platforms for tissue engineering; (Moraes)
Professor Christopher Moraes
christopher.moraes [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Biomedical Engineering |
Description
Biological cells are extremely responsive to their surroundings, and understanding these cell-environment interactions is critical in (1) designing replacement tissues (pancreas), (2) building new drug-screening platforms (cardiac), or (3) creating bioinspired sustainable materials for environmental challenges (fungal mycelium biocomposites). In these projects, we will investigate microfluidic and microscale materials development strategies to guide biological cells towards these specialized functions. Projects can involve a variety of specialized fabrication techniques, including biomaterial synthesis, cleanroom-based microfabrication, microfluidic device development, and laser machining. In addition, the student will develop cell culture, microscopy, and image analysis skills. Ultimately, the goal of experimenting with these "smart" dynamic and responsive platforms is to help us understand the design rules that govern biological materials, and then leverage that understanding for societal benefit. Tasks per student
The student will gain experience in advanced biofabrication, materials characterization, cell culture, and microscopy techniques. More broadly, this project will require students to work across disciplines and collaborate closely with materials scientists, engineers, and biologists. Solving these broad problems requires highly-motivated, independent and driven individuals, who are unafraid to learn new fields and try new techniques |
Deliverables per student
Regular meetings and updates throughout the summer with prof. and grad student mentors; Short data presentations for the research group; one formal presentation at the end of the summer; lab notebook; project report or journal publication depending on progress made. |
Number of positions
3 Academic Level
Year 2 Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 017: Determining Crystal Properties using Density functional Theory; (Servio)
Professor Phillip Servio
phillip.servio [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Energy |
Description
Humanity's increasing energy requirements, and instability in countries where most of our global oil resides, forces us to explore new/alternative methods to sustain our current quality of life. An ice-like material called gas hydrates are a possible solution to this crisis. Gas hydrates are non-stoichiometric crystalline compounds that belong to the inclusion group known as clathrates. When water molecules form a network through hydrogen bonding, they leave cavities that can be occupied by a single gas or volatile liquid. The presence of a gas or volatile liquid inside the water network thermodynamically stabilizes the structure through physical bonding via weak van der Waals forces. Tasks per student
The student should have a strong background in multi-phase thermodynamics and crystallization processes. He/she should be fluent in programming and will learn how to use SIESTA and VASP. He/she will work closely with a graduate student on this project but must also be able to work independently and diligently. |
Deliverables per student
Collection and analysis of computational data for submission to his or her supervisor. The student may contribute to the writing of portions of a manuscript that may result in a publication. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 018: Advances in energy harvesting and flow assurance through extreme high-pressure rheology; (Servio)
Professor Phillip Servio
phillip.servio [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Energy |
Description
Water is one of the most significant compounds in nature that is not only responsible for life but also plays a significant role in many processes related to energy and safety. Water can undergo two significant phase changes when it is exposed to the proper thermodynamic conditions and components: Ice and Gas Hydrate. Ice accretion on modern infrastructure such as aircrafts, ships, offshore oil platforms, wind turbines, telecommunications and power transmission lines jeopardize their integrity and pose a significant safety hazard to operators and civilians alike. Gas hydrates on the other hand, are viewed as a new/alternative method to sustain our increasing energy demands and hence, our quality of life. Naturally occurring gas hydrates have enormous amounts of stored energy that exceeds conventional carbon reserves and mostly contain natural gas. Rheometry experiments will provide a unique insight into the flow of water, in a liquid state, but also as a slurry with soft-solids (ice and hydrate). This information is essential for the design of safe, economical, and environmentally responsible processes and facilities to deal with ice and hydrate-forming systems, as well as for the exploitation of in-situ methane hydrate as a future energy resource. A novel approach will be undertaken in this work, exploring the effects of nanomaterial surfaces and polymeric additives on both ice and gas hydrate forming systems. The goal is to elucidate the behaviour of the flow of water in the presence of these surfaces and additives as it transitions to either ice or hydrate. The outcome of such work has the potential to place Canada at the forefront of technologies related to de-icing techniques that preclude ice accretion and natural gas recovery, storage and transportation. Tasks per student
The student should have a strong background in multi-phase thermodynamics and crystallization processes. He/she will design and carry out experiments related to ice and gas hydrate nucleation, both at atmospheric and high pressures and measure rheological properties. The student will investigate the effect of various factors, such as degree of sub-cooling and inhibitor addition, that influence the rheology of the phase change. He/she will work closely with a graduate student on this project but must also be able to work independently and diligently. |
Deliverables per student
Collection and analysis of experimental data for submission to his or her supervisor. The student may contribute to the writing of portions of a manuscript that may result in a publication. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 019: Fate of Plastics in Agricultural Soil and Runoffs; (Tufenkji)
Professor Nathalie Tufenkji
nathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Environmental engineering, sustainability |
Description
The use of plastics in modern agriculture has skyrocketed in recent decades. While there are numerous sources of plastics in crop agriculture, the widespread use of plastic mulch films is a major contributor. Plastic mulch films are beneficial to reduce evaporation, control weeds, and increase soil temperature. However, they typically degrade due to exposure to climatic conditions resulting in the release of microplastics and nanoplastics directly into the farmland soil. This is highly concerning because microplastic and nanoplastics from soils can be leached into groundwater, transported to surface water through agricultural runoff, uptaken by food crops, and even inhaled by farmers as airborne dust. Our current understanding of the fate of agricultural plastic mulches is limited. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the breakdown of biodegradable and non-biodegradable mulch films under different environmental conditions relevant to agricultural soil. Tasks per student
The student will be involved in monitoring the progression of the weathering behavior of the mulch films and comparing the properties of pristine and weathered plastics under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow. The student will be trained in a variety of advanced microscopy and material characterization techniques, for example, scanning electron microscopy for surface visualization, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for polymer characterization, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for released nanoplastics characterization. |
Deliverables per student
A written report containing all relevant methods and results, as well as a brief literature review, will be submitted. Additionally, the student will give a brief presentation to the lab group summarizing their work at the end of the project. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 020: Investigating the fate and transport of nanoplastics in groundwater; (Tufenkji)
Professor Nathalie Tufenkji
nathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
Plastic pollution, sustainability |
Description
The growing presence of nanoplastics in the environment has garnered significant attention from the media and the scientific community due to concerns over their potential environmental and health impacts. Unfortunately, nanoplastics have been detected in many environmental compartments, including groundwater which is the water present between soil pores. Groundwater is an important drinking water source and approximately one third of Canadians rely on it. Therefore, it is important to understand the fate and transport of nanoplastics in groundwater aquifers. Much of the research on nanoplastics has been performed with pristine polystyrene nanoplastics; however, few studies have been done with environmentally relevant nanoplastics. It remains unclear how weathering processes will impact the nanoplastic properties as well as their fate and transport. The primary objectives of this project are to investigate the stability of environmentally relevant nanoplastics in aqueous systems and their transport in porous media. Tasks per student
The student will be trained in a range of nanotechnology and analytical/laboratory techniques that will include, for example: nanoplastic dispersion and stabilization, determination of aggregate size via dynamic light scattering (DLS), characterization of nanoplastic surface charge via electrophoretic mobility, and assessment of nanoplastic mobility via laboratory column tests. After the training completed (first month), the student will conduct research under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow. The student will be introduced to a range of new areas including colloidal chemistry, aggregation theory, and environmental nanotechnology. |
Deliverables per student
A written report containing all relevant methods and results and a brief literature review will be submitted. Additionally, the student will give a brief presentation to the lab group summarizing their work at the end of the project. |
Number of positions
1 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |
CHEM 021: Detection of paint-based microplastics and nanoplastics in natural waters; (Tufenkji)
Professor Nathalie Tufenkji
nathalie.tufenkji [at] mcgill.ca |
Research Area
plastic pollution, sustainability |
Description
The escalating issue of paint pollution in our environment has attracted considerable attention from both the media and the scientific community, stemming from concerns regarding its potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. Similar to plastics, paint releases micro/nanoparticles upon degradation, posing challenges in detection and visualization due to their small size. Nevertheless, technological advancements offer a promising avenue to enhance our capacity to image and identify these paint pollutants. The principal aim of this project is to develop methodologies for visualizing and characterizing various types of paint particles, as well as examining their impacts in small aquatic organisms. Tasks per student
The student will be trained in a range of nanotechnology and laboratory techniques that will include, for example: particle size determination by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, advanced microscopy techniques as well as ecotoxicology studies. After receiving the required training in the lab (first month), the student will start working more independently. The student will be introduced to a range of new areas including microscopy, spectroscopy, ecotoxicology and environmental nanotechnology. |
Deliverables per student
A written report containing all relevant methods and results, as well as a brief literature review will be submitted. Additionally, the student will give a brief presentation to the lab group summarizing their work at the conclusion of the project. |
Number of positions
2 Academic Level
No preference Location of project
in-person |